In the life of any cell, proteins are of prime importance. Proteins inside a cell allow for the cell’s structure and functioning to take place, while proteins secreted out of the cell are involved in communication and immunological processes. The task of manufacturing proteins bound for secretion out of the cell is primarily accomplished by two organelles: the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi complex.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum is a membranous labyrinth of compartmentalized structures located near the nucleus. It performs many important functions, one of which is to produce proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Structurally, the ER consists of two main parts: the rough ER (rER) and the smooth ER (sER).

The role of the rough ER is to produce proteins, which are then folded into their necessary shapes and molecule complexes. After this process is complete, they are transported to the golgi complex. The proteins produced by the ER are often exported out of the cell and employed for other external processes in the organism.

Golgi Complex

The Golgi complex, or golgi apparatus, is an organelle located near the nucleus that modifies, packages, and distributes proteins and other molecules within and outside of the cell. Structurally, the Golgi complex is composed of numerous flattened, membranous sacs called cisternae that are arranged in stacks of two or three.

The Golgi complex is responsible for modifying the proteins produced by the rough ER, including sorting and adding sugar and phosphate groups to form glycoproteins. Aside from processing, the Golgi complex also acts as a storage facility for the proteins that it modifies. Once they are packed and ready for transport, the proteins are released from the Golgi complex through little vesicles and conveyed to where they are needed.

Conclusion

The organelles responsible for manufacturing proteins bound for secretion out of the cell are the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex. The ER creates the proteins, while the Golgi complex modifies, packages, and distributes them. The end result is a secretion of proteins out of the cell that can be used for a variety of metabolic and immunological processes.